OPINION: We can all help Alaska chart a course to better, cheaper energy — if legislators let us

I have worked in Alaska politics and policy for many years. I have worked with independents, Democrats and Republicans, and I believe that the best solutions for Alaskans are usually nonpartisan. Alaskans know how to rise above Lower 48 political rhetoric to get things done.

One of the biggest issues facing Anchorage residents right now revolves around a looming Cook Inlet gas shortage: The main producer of natural gas for Southcentral Alaska has warned that demand could exceed supply within the next decade. Essentially, we’re running out of known and accessible reserves of natural gas, which currently accounts for roughly 80% of Anchorage’s energy generation.

Some political extremists seem to be focused on sticking their head in the sand, claiming that any move toward renewables is a bad one. This partisan rancor works well to grab the headlines but doesn’t do anything to solve our biggest problems. Conversely, policy-forward discussions that advance the quality of life for Alaskans are getting thrown by the wayside.

I support an “all of the above” approach when it comes to energy generation. Solar, wind and hydropower aren’t just tools to lower our carbon output — they’re sensible near-term choices that could help prevent Anchorage from ironically having to import gas from foreign markets to meet our needs. Even as we work to bring Alaska’s massive North Slope gas reserves to market here and overseas, we have to recognize that even under a best-case scenario, those resources won’t be available for many years to come. And when we do unlock that resource, Anchorage having a diverse energy portfolio just means that we will have even more gas to export, amounting to more future revenue for our state.

One crucial solution is through our utilities, like Chugach Electric, diversifying our energy mix. Another is ripping back red tape that’s in the way of Alaska innovation in renewables.

The legislature has the chance next year to pass SB 152 — a bill that would allow Alaskans to have something called “community solar.” Community solar is a simple idea: People in the community come together and purchase subscriptions to a shared solar generation facility instead of bearing the costs of an installation for residential panels individually. This dramatically lowers the financial barrier to entry for solar and allows free-market principles to unleash improving technology in Alaska’s neighborhoods.

Alaska needs to catch up. Forty-one other states currently use community solar, and in those states, consumers see an average of 10% savings on electricity bills. Given the high cost of energy in Alaska, this idea should be a no-brainer.

This is an easy legislative fix that can pass next session. A majority of Alaskans support using solar energy, but some substantial barriers prevent Alaskans from accessing this clean, reliable, and affordable power source. Many ratepayers rent rather than own their homes; some homeowners may not have suitable roofs or sufficient land — and, for many, the upfront costs of installation are simply too high.

At the end of the day, the question of developing more renewable energy is not a political one; it’s a matter of economics and strategy. Will our leaders help us cut through the red tape to lower costs and build a diverse energy mix?

I encourage you to write to your legislators and let them know you support Senate Bill 152. Every constituent contact counts.

Scott Kendall is an attorney in private practice. He formerly served as chief of staff to Gov. Bill Walker.

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